Demolition makes way for new Port Canaveral cruise terminal

Demolition of the port's oldest cruise terminal will make way for the new Cruise Terminal 3(Photo: Canaveral Port Authority)

Port Canaveral commenced the largest single construction project in its history as demolition of the port’s oldest cruise terminal began today to make way for a cutting-edge terminal with upgraded berth and a new parking garage.

Deconstruction of the existing Cruise Terminal 3 is expected to be completed by July.

Keeping pace with cruise growth

'This is a moment we have been waiting for. The new high-tech, fully modernized cruise terminal will enhance our ability to welcome some of the largest and most advanced cruise ships in the world,' port CEO Capt. John Murray said. 'The cruise industry is projected to grow significantly over the next several years and with this new terminal, our port is well positioned to keep pace with that growth.'

The construction project is a multi-phase program, spanning 20 months under five contracts. The terminal demolition will cost $210,000. Subsequent phases include berth demolition, dredging and waterside construction; constructing passenger boarding bridges; terminal construction with related site work; and the adjacent parking facility. The planned elevated parking structure will have capacity for approximately 1,800 vehicles in secure, covered parking.

$150m investment for a 188,000-square-foot terminal and garage

Canaveral Port Authority and its cruise partner will invest approximately $150m to build and equip a two-story, 188,000-square-foot terminal and garage. Once completed, the terminal, berth and adjacent parking facilities will accommodate up to 6,500 passengers. The terminal’s design and planned technology features include fully functional, modernized systems to facilitate US Customs and Border Protection screenings of arriving passengers, and integrated mobile passenger check-in to expedite passenger embarkation.

'Port Canaveral continues to experience growth in all sectors, and particularly in our cruise business,' Murray said. 'It's important that we continuously invest in our capabilities and grow our capacity to ensure we support the needs of our cruise partners today and remain well positioned to meet their demands of tomorrow.'

Completion in by early 2020

The new Terminal 3 is targeted for completion in late 2019 or early 2020, and will support an estimated nearly 4,000 permanent jobs in combination with the port's overall modernization and improvement plans, including channel widening and deepening, repairs and improvements to cargo piers.